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March Madness 2017: Three things to watch for in UCLA vs Cincinnati

By Keith Rivas

Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts on the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts on the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) runs up the court against the Long Beach State 49ers during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) runs up the court against the Long Beach State 49ers during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Let Leaf and Lonzo lead the way

As important as defense and rebounds are to the game, winning happens when you score more points than your opponent.

Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf have been that scoring machine for the Bruins. Both players will likely be in the NBA next season, with their play in March Madness possibly helping their draft stock.

Right now, the Lakers are still in the conversation when it comes to Lonzo Ball. He could be one of the top three draft picks, with the Lakers hoping they hold their protected selection. As for Leaf, he’ll help a team that needs a forward that can do it all.

Leaf’s scoring ability really came out against Kent State, which was great to see. But the Bruins need more than just one good game from him.

He led the team in scoring, dropping 23 points, while Ball had 15 of his own.

That 1-2 punch needs to be there throughout the whole game in order to poke Cincinnati and chisel at any lead the Bearcats may end up having.

Also, watching how Ball plays after appearing to hurt himself in the first round will be key. If Leaf can’t get it done by himself, someone else will have to step up alongside him.

Otherwise, the Bruins will be seeing an early exit and no Cinderella story.

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